The City of Regina has unveiled an initiative to help improve pedestrian safety around railway crossings.

The “See Tracks? Think Train” campaign aims to make safety an automatic habit for people when they are driving or walking near train tracks. The initiative was launched in 2014 by Operation Lifesaver – a non-profit group that raises awareness about risky pedestrian and driver behaviour around railroad tracks.

“The City of Regina is happy to come on board and join the CN Police, Canadian Pacific (CP), along with SGI, in helping to increase pedestrian safety at railway crossings,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said in a news release.

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to the safety of our residents and we look forward to reducing the number of incidents at railway crossings.”

A total of nine locations throughout Regina will receive the ‘See Tracks? Think Train.’ stencils:

  • Trail crossing at CN line, east of Dorothy Street
  • CN line at Dorothy Street
  • CN line at McCarthy Boulevard
  • Elphinstone Street, south of McKinley Avenue (CN)
  • CP crossing at Elphinstone Street, north of Saskatchewan Drive
  • Albert Street, south of 1st Avenue North (CN)
  • Albert Street, north of 3rd Avenue (CN)
  • Broad Street, south of 1st Avenue North (CN)
  • 2nd Avenue North, west of Winnipeg Street (CN)

“The decals are a great reminder to all road users, but especially kids and young people, to be alert when they’re approaching or crossing the railroad tracks,” said CN Police Constable Dustin Schollenberg.

“Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re proud to be partnering with the City of Regina to raise awareness in this community.”

In 2016, there were 23 collisions and five injuries at railway crossings in Regina.

“Incidents involving pedestrians and trespassers are preventable and unfortunately too common,” said CP Police Service Chief Ken Marchant.

“CP looks forward to implementing these stencils at more crossings in more communities to increase awareness.”

More information and safety tips for pedestrians and motorists is available online at operationlifesaver.ca.